Blog Posting #1 - Technology Assessments
The value of assessing the educator's technology leadership knowledge and skills is vital to ensure that technology is meaningfully implemented in the classroom. The results of teacher technology assessments should be used to plan and conduct professional development. After receiving professional development that targets a weakness, a plan should be in place to provide ongoing support throughout the year. The benefits of teacher technology assessments are to inform the leadership of the campus' strengths and weaknesses therefore, effective professional development can be planned. An additional benefit of the technology assessment is allowing teachers to have input on their needs for technology training and classroom needs concerning infrastructure.
It is also vital for the students to be assessed to determine their knowledge and skills and perceived needs. This assessment at the beginning of the year can provide the instructor the chance to produce a custom curriculum to meet the skill levels and needs of the class.
One weakness I see in the technology assessment tool, the STaR Chart, is the time of year it is given to be completed. Teachers are asked to fill out this survey in May when the school year is ending and many other reports are due. In the past, I have completed the chart and submitted it without giving it the time and thought needed so that it would reflect a more accurate assessment of my needs. In my opinion, the assessment should be given at the beginning of the year and professional development could be planned and scheduled throughout the year addressing the needs of the campus' and individual's weaknesses.
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